Floratam® St. Augustine Sod: The Ultimate Lawn Guide

If you’re seeking a classic, sun-loving turf that’s been a Florida staple for decades, Floratam® St. Augustine (cultivar ‘Floratam’) is the go-to choice. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Florida and Texas A&M University and released in 1972, this vigorous grass was originally bred for resistance to chinch bugs and the St. Augustine Decline (SAD) virus. It’s the most widely planted St. Augustine in Florida, ideal for full-sun, well-drained sites in warm, humid subtropical regions. Below, explore its color, growth habits, tolerances, resistances, and maintenance—drawn from UF/IFAS trials and field data for sunny lawns.

Eye-Catching Color and Aesthetic Appeal

Floratam’s vibrant dark green hue delivers a bold, tropical look that’s deeper than many St. Augustines, creating a lush, uniform carpet with excellent curb appeal in sunny conditions.

Color retention: Holds its rich green well during heat and moderate drought, though it may off-color (yellow/brown) in prolonged dry spells without water.
Seasonal performance: Thrives in spring/summer vigor, maintaining density and sheen on its coarse blades; quick recovery post-stress with proper care.
Comparison: Darker and more intense than Palmetto’s lighter green or BitterBlue’s bluish tint; a “workhorse” green that’s reliable but less jewel-like than newer varieties like CitraBlue.

Pro Tip: Apply iron supplements or slow-release nitrogen to enhance and sustain that signature dark green vibrancy year-round.

Growth Patterns and Habits

Floratam exhibits a vigorous, upright growth habit via stolons, forming a dense, coarse-textured mat that’s aggressive and quick to establish in full sun.

Blade characteristics: Wide, long blades (up to 3-inch internodes) with a coarse texture and rounded tips; upright orientation gives a bold, plush appearance.
Spreading speed: Rapid horizontal spread fills large areas fast, suppressing bare spots effectively for new lawns or repairs.
Vertical growth: High, requiring mowing 1–2 times weekly in peak summer at 3.5–4 inches to avoid scalping and thatch buildup (>0.5 inches common).
Root system: Deep, fibrous roots bolster drought resilience, promoted by infrequent deep watering in well-drained soils.

Fun Fact: Floratam spreads vegetatively (no viable seed), making it non-invasive but reliant on sod/plugs for propagation.

Shade Tolerance

Floratam’s poor shade tolerance makes it unsuitable for low-light areas, thinning quickly without adequate sun.

Light needs: Requires 6–8 hours of direct sun daily; performs poorly with less than 6 hours, leading to leggy growth and decline.
Shade performance: Minimal density retention in partial shade; prone to thinning, weeds, and disease in dappled or afternoon shade.
Comparisons: Ranks low vs. Palmetto, CitraBlue, or Seville; best for open, sunny sites—opt for shadier cultivars elsewhere.

Drought Tolerance

Renowned for its high drought tolerance, Floratam withstands dry periods better than most St. Augustines, thanks to its deep roots.

Water needs: 1 inch per week via deep, infrequent sessions; goes dormant (brown) in severe drought but recovers rapidly upon rewatering.
Stress response: Maintains color longer than shade-adapted varieties; excellent in sandy soils but wilts faster in heat without moisture.
Perks: Salt-tolerant for coastal use; reduces irrigation needs in regulated areas, though consistent moisture prevents off-coloring.

Disease Resistance

Floratam offers good fungal resistance but is vulnerable to emerging viral threats, often requiring vigilant management in humid Florida conditions.

Fungal Diseases

Brown Patch/Large Patch (Rhizoctonia solani): Tolerant, with low incidence in well-aerated turf.
Gray Leaf Spot (Magnaporthe oryzae): Susceptible; outbreaks common in wet summers—treat early with fungicides.
Take-All Root Rot (Gaeumannomyces graminis): Moderate resistance; less severe than in Palmetto but monitor in compacted soils.
General fungi: Downy mildew resistant; overall better than older cultivars, but shade or overwatering increases risks.

Viral Diseases

St. Augustine Decline (SAD): Bred resistant; minimal impact.
Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN)/Sugarcane Mosaic Virus: Highly susceptible—causes rapid decline and death within 3 years; widespread in Florida since 2014, often requiring full resodding.

Did You Know? UF/IFAS trials show Floratam outperforming some peers in large patch but highlight LVN as a major threat, driving shifts to resistant alternatives.

Pest Resistance

Originally bred for chinch bug resistance, Floratam’s protection has waned as pests adapted, making it a prime target in sunny lawns.

Chinch bugs: Initial resistance lost by 1980s; now a major pest—scout for yellow patches and apply insecticides promptly.
Sod webworms, armyworms, mole crickets, grubs: Susceptible; dense growth aids recovery, but hot/dry conditions exacerbate damage.
General pests: Moderate tolerance overall; integrated management essential, with less issues than shade-stressed turf.

Tip: Silicon applications per UF/IFAS can boost resistance to chinch bugs and diseases—test in trials for your site.

Weed Resistance

Floratam’s dense, aggressive growth excels at weed suppression in full sun, outcompeting invaders effectively.

Mechanism: Rapid stolon spread shades soil and crowds out weeds like crabgrass; high mowing enhances this.
Thatch role: Builds quickly, blocking seed germination if managed.
Comparisons: Stronger than sparse varieties; less effective in shade where thinning occurs—pre-emergents recommended.

Maintenance Requirements

As a vigorous grower, Floratam demands regular upkeep to stay healthy, but rewards with durability in ideal conditions.

Aspect	Recommendations	Tips for Success
Mowing	3.5–4 inches; 1–2 times weekly in summer. Leave clippings for nutrients.	Sharp blades prevent tearing; avoid low cuts to reduce disease/weed entry.
Watering	1 inch/week, deep & infrequent (1–2 sessions).	Early morning to cut evaporation/fungus; deep roots thrive on this—adjust for rain.
Fertilizing	3–4 apps/season with slow-release N-P-K (higher N for vigor). Spring/summer focus.	Soil test annually; excess invites pests—UF/IFAS rates: 2–4 lbs N/1,000 sq ft/year.
Thatch Management	Annual dethatching/aeration if >0.5 inches.	Vertical mow in spring; improves water uptake and reduces compaction.
Pest/Disease Control	Monthly scouting; IPM/fungicides/insecticides as needed.	Early intervention key—avoid overwatering; test for LVN if decline appears.

Scientific Backing and Comparisons

UF/IFAS research underscores Floratam’s legacy:

Disease trials: Strong in brown patch/SAD per 1970s releases; vulnerable to LVN (2022 studies show blends reduce impact).
Shade/drought: Top drought performer but poor shade—2025 trials confirm vs. CitraBlue/Palmetto.
Vs. others: Faster growth than Palmetto, better sun tolerance than CitraBlue; chinch bug edge lost, but still a benchmark for full-sun durability.

As of 2025, UF/IFAS emphasizes LVN risks, recommending alternatives for virus-prone areas while affirming Floratam’s sun-loving reliability.

Get Growing!

Floratam isn’t just sod—it’s the timeless Florida lawn icon for sunny, resilient green spaces. Source certified sod to avoid off-types and enjoy its bold vigor.